Today's firsts reading for Mass describes Paul's decision to have his case reviewed as a Roman Citizen. Though we know the end of the story, at the time he was living, I wonder what was going through Paul's mind while he awaited judgment form Caesar.It could not have been a comfortable time for him.

All of our lives have serious side trips, if you will, which throw us off course from our daily endeavors and concerns. We lose control of the situation, as Paul did, by surrendering his life into another's judgment and hands. I see this every day with those who await a doctor's report, an upcoming medical test or an unexpected death of a loved one. Our "Plot thickens" in ways that we do not understand and we lose a sense of control.

In a sense, Paul did not lose control. His faith anchored him, no matter what. His meeting with Christ on the way to Damascus must have been an extraordinary event, for it signed, sealed and delivered him to be faithful to him to the end. Can I say the same/